"Ojokit Anomet Solomon's 'Forest of Change' Champions Climate Action for a Greener Future"

Can you give us a brief overview of your project and how it addresses SDG 13?

Driven by an awakening call to action following the 2023 Africa Climate Summit, I launched "Forest of Change" in the Teso Subregion of Eastern Uganda with hope that this impactful initiative improves traditional reforestation efforts, together with a mission of environmental restoration and the cultivation of a collective of "changed minds."

Inspired by the need to move beyond dialogue to tangible impact, the project began with a symbolic planting of 250 trees with the slogan, "one tree at a time," reaching deep in the grassroots and the belief that significant change is achieved through consistent, dedicated action.

"Forest of Change" envisions a landscape transformed not only by the growing canopy of trees but also by the growing network of individuals, supporters, fellow activists and enthusiasts, and community members united by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. This "forest" represents the joint of environmental action and a powerful movement of change, demonstrating that each planted tree contributes to a larger transformation of both the land and the collective consciousness.

Therefore by planting one Tree at A Time, I spread awareness of how important trees are and play a big role in combating climate change and also as strategy to adapt to already existing consequences of climate change.

What inspired you to tackle climate change as part of your project?

The need for global awareness of the climate crisis, and Africa's vulnerability, and the direct, observable impacts in different communities in Uganda and my own the Teso Subregion where food insecurity is the topic of the day due to long dry spells.

What specific goals did your project aim to achieve in relation to combating climate change?

Specifically, my goal was to run away from the usual and easy talks with our actions and become action oriented as we in our community there was rapid loss of indigenous species of trees where we are losing them at a rate faster than replacing them and the biodiversity is at stake due to charcoal business that leaves no tree standing and yet the available resources are on a threat.

How did your project contribute to raising awareness about climate change or reducing its impacts?

So far as we talk, there has been realization of the importance of taking action and several tree species of especially the Shea butter tree are being saved and strict laws about the tree species being cut for charcoal have been put in place to protect the trees it had been marked out as endangered species.

Did your project focus on any particular aspect of climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation, education)? If so, could you explain this focus?

Adaptation is the focus, because there is no way sustain circumstances can be eradicated completely as people are 99% dependent on the natural environment and as well the climate change effects aren't just gonna be put off so soon as world leaders have paid a deaf ear to the latter and a reason why the Conference Of Parties COP, is a recurring event as there has not been any final resolution because we are always in conflict for the commitment we made ourselves.

What were some of the challenges you faced while implementing your project, particularly in addressing climate change, and how did you overcome them?

The challenge is the pattern in the seasons, where the last dry season is the toughest which has trees drying out, then purchase and transportation of these trees to the desired location.

Another challenge is the man power available to help as most of the people around are only available where there's a pay at the end of the whole activity short of that, I am single handedly planted the forest of change in my community with a few helpers from nearest relatives and family members.

Choosing the trees resistant to the harsh conditions is one way I have overcome so far but other challenges still stand.

Can you share any specific outcomes or impacts your project had in relation to SDG 13?

I have had a lot of people coming in offering space to plant in trees for both restoration and commercial purposes.

Schools coming in to adopt the culture of planting and growing trees, invitation to events and schools to teach them about trees and planting trees in conjunction with agroecology.

Did your project involve collaboration with other students, organizations, or community members? If yes, how did this collaboration enhance your project's effectiveness in combating climate change?

Yes students, my community having so far overwhelming invitation to do similar efforts in their spaces where several invites with large spaces are coming in which has been a bit of a challenge as these need lots of trees to cover up these spaces. Collaboration with organization who have always given in slots to showcase my ideas on grand events to make awareness for climate change action.

What were some key lessons you learned from working on this project related to SDG 13?

The key lessons here is that there's a lot talked about on the Internet than what we need to do. Walking the talk is still lagging behind and if we must have results in climate action, we need to act now and of course patience and attitude being key to achieving the project.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to continue your efforts to combat climate change beyond the scope of your project, and what role do you see yourself playing in future climate action initiatives?

The climate change crisis is a global concern which cuts across. My efforts are beyond my boundaries as I amplify the voice of fellow like mind people sharing support and extending their values to act.

Call to action in different aspects of combating climate and sharing knowledge across all disciplines and not forgetting to strike for the demand for action and reminding world leaders to act as the crisis is a global concern.

As an action oriented enthusiast, I call to action and physically participate in all endeavors that make the planet a better place and also adapt, and mitigate climate change.